Chase - Getting Approved with Old Charge Off

Question

So back about 10 years ago, while in college, I had a credit card and checking account with Chase. I was irresponsible and let the card go unpaid, and it eventually was charged off and sold to a collection agency. Here I am, 10 years later, with a great credit record, Fico in the 750s, and about 10 current credit card accounts with very low utilization. In the past 12 months, I have been denied for two different Chase cards, the CSP and Ritz cards (about 5 months apart). When I was denied for the 2nd, I called and spoke with an agent who explained to me that there was an old charge off shown in their system for $3XX and that was the reason for the denial. I offered to pay the charge off and take care of it, but they said they could no longer accept payment as it was sold to a collection agency. The woman on the phone suggested I go into a branch and see if they could help me. I did, and they could not, all they did was get someone on the phone at Chase and they told me the same thing they did when I was denied. Basically they explained I have no options to make it right with Chase and gave me no options as to a way to rebuild my relationship with the bank.  My question for you guys here at the forum is whether or not there is anything I can do to repaid this relationship so I can get some Chase cards. My first thought was to open a checking account to build some credibility. The other thought I had was to open a secured credit card, although that seems a bit absurd given that i have never been declined for any other card other than these 2 from Chase. I am more than willing to do it, but wasn't sure if that would be necessary. What would you guys recommend? My main goal is to be able to get a Southwest card (or 2) in about 6 months, and I am willing to do whatever it takes. Thanks in advance for your help! 

Answer 1

gernblanston wrote:
So back about 10 years ago, while in college, I had a credit card and checking account with Chase. I was irresponsible and let the card go unpaid, and it eventually was charged off and sold to a collection agency. Here I am, 10 years later, with a great credit record, Fico in the 750s, and about 10 current credit card accounts with very low utilization. In the past 12 months, I have been denied for two different Chase cards, the CSP and Ritz cards (about 5 months apart). When I was denied for the 2nd, I called and spoke with an agent who explained to me that there was an old charge off shown in their system for $3XX and that was the reason for the denial. I offered to pay the charge off and take care of it, but they said they could no longer accept payment as it was sold to a collection agency. The woman on the phone suggested I go into a branch and see if they could help me. I did, and they could not, all they did was get someone on the phone at Chase and they told me the same thing they did when I was denied. Basically they explained I have no options to make it right with Chase and gave me no options as to a way to rebuild my relationship with the bank.  My question for you guys here at the forum is whether or not there is anything I can do to repaid this relationship so I can get some Chase cards. My first thought was to open a checking account to build some credibility. The other thought I had was to open a secured credit card, although that seems a bit absurd given that i have never been declined for any other card other than these 2 from Chase. I am more than willing to do it, but wasn't sure if that would be necessary. What would you guys recommend? My main goal is to be able to get a Southwest card (or 2) in about 6 months, and I am willing to do whatever it takes. Thanks in advance for your help! I just got off the horn with Chase EO today. Was trying a 2nd recon for a Hyatt card. The guy was really professional. He said I had a $500 slate charge off back in 2003 (which who knows what providian or family member did this to me, its buggin me) anyway, he said, we approved you for a $5k Chase IHG card. We want to see some repayment history with you first for a few months before we consider you for another card. He also said I might want a chase freedom or sapphire card some day (I had applied for the freedom in april and december of 2014). Even though I probably wont ever go for those cards, although they make a great combo. He assured me as long as I havent opened  several new accounts recently I would definitely be approved if my score continues to go up.  He also said that the 5 new accouts in 2 years thing is not always 100% and that he recon's people from time to time and approves them if their scores/history warrant that type of card. I also would like to add that chase is picky from person to person. Their cobranded cards are easier to get than their non's. I never had this CO thing mentioned to me before when I was denied the freedom. They said I had an unclosed checking account, and  owed $75. I promptly paid that, and recon'd twice, still do dice.  Also when I recon'd the IHG card the first time I was told way too many accounts, and not enough experience with a high limit card. Umm ok whatever, why can I go to ANY other bank and get a card then? Then called back the next day, instant approval for 5k IHG world mastercard.  I will say, it probably wouldn't hurt to double app with them when you are ready. Some may disagree with this. But with chase theres always a chance of that 1 inquiry becoming two. And why not go for two different products that could improve your odds of getting one that the rep feels is more appropriate, or maybe even get the 2nd one approved later that same day! As long as your income supports the CSP (40k+/yr) then you should be fine? But others could chime in here regarding the underwriting. Maybe go for a cobranded 1st, then freedom 2nd, then csp 3rd.